Not all of us know the importance of oral or dental health to our well-being. If an individual has poor dental hygiene, it will likely cause gum disease, dental cavities, and other dental problems. The worse thing is dental issues have been associated with different chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
It is essential to practice oral hygiene and make it a lifelong commitment. Practice the habits of brushing and flossing as well as sugar intake.
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What is Oral Health?
The World Health Organization said that approximately 90% of school children have dental cavities. Almost 100% of adults also have a dental cavity, and adults between 35 to 44 of age are experiencing severe gum disease. The issue of oral disease is higher in disadvantaged or poor populations or communities.
To uphold oral health, dental experts recommend:
- Regular brushing of teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing of teeth once a day
- Increase intake of fruits and vegetables
- Decrease sugary intake
- Avoid tobacco products
- Drink fluoridated water
- Seek dental care
How can I Protect my Oral Health?
We all know that it takes a lifetime of care to achieve healthy teeth. It is crucial to protect our oral health by practicing good oral hygiene every day of our lives.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before going to bed
- Do not neglect the tongue when brushing
- Use toothpaste with fluoride and fluoridated water
- Flossing is also important
- Drink more water, eat fruits and vegetables
Tips for Managing Everyday Dental Problems
Almost everyone has been experiencing tooth problems. It is because our teeth are vulnerable to different dental problems. It is essential to be familiar with them to prevent them.
Here’s a list of how you can protect your oral health:
- Toothaches – this is a very common problem that involves many causes. If ever you experience a toothache, all you have to do is rinse your mouth. Remove the food debris with floss and see your dentist at the soonest possible time.
- Cavities – you can prevent cavities by brushing your teeth at least twice a day to get rid of the plaque buildup that may destroy the tooth enamel.
- Tooth stains – If you notice stains on your teeth, you can use at-home bleaching treatments. But to prevent tooth stains, avoid consuming foods and beverages that can cause stains, especially those dark-colored.
Things you Need to Know about Dental and Oral Health
Facts about Dental and Oral Health
Having healthy teeth starts from knowing the facts about dental and oral health. With this, you can prevent serious dental issues.
- Brushing the teeth will spare your teeth from cavities and plaque
- Periodontal disease affects the overall health
- Dental checkups are essential
- Dental problems can lead to bad breath
- To achieve good oral and dental health, consume proper nutrition
- Dental problems need treatment
Symptoms of Dental and Oral Problems
As mentioned above, regularly visiting a dentist in North York is essential to avoid the symptoms of dental issues. Being aware of the symptoms of oral problems will spare you from dental health issues.
Here are many symptoms to look out for:
- Sores or ulcers inside the mouth that don’t heal for some time
- Swollen and bleeding gums when brushing
- Sensitivity to cold and hot
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums and loose teeth
- Pain with biting or chewing
- Broken or cracked teeth
Sometimes, an individual experiencing such symptoms may also suffer neck or facial swelling and fever. If it happens, seek medical treatment at the soonest possible time.
Types of Dental and Oral Diseases
The teeth play a significant role in our well-being. That is why it is necessary to give them proper care to avoid possible oral and dental diseases. With good oral hygiene, you can prevent oral problems. Here are some of the common oral diseases:
- Cavities – manifest by decays that damage the tooth caused by the bacteria and the acid coating the teeth. The acid damages the enamel and dentin.
- Gingivitis – swelling of gums is called gingivitis or gum disease. It results from plaque buildup on the teeth. To avoid gingivitis, practice good brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis – if gingivitis is not addressed immediately and gets worse, it will lead to periodontitis. This oral disease causes infection affecting the jaw and bones.
TheOral Cancer Foundation said that approximately 50,000 Americans have oral cancer. It is usually the result of excessive tobacco use.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining good dental health requires a lot of effort. Brushing and flossing are not enough because there are other things to do. It is also necessary to eat a nutritious diet and visit the dentist regularly.
